For a cease fire that so far seems to be holding. No mother, on either side, should have to put her child to bed in fear of what may come as they sleep. No one anywhere should have to live in constant fear of sudden death from the sky.

For the end of DADT. It doesn't affect me, but it should never have affected anyone.

For the fact that hearts and minds have opened enough that marriage equality passed in three states by vote.

That I live in such a beautiful part of the world, in a community that really is a village, and helps to raise all of the children to assume that we will all help one another, that we all need to pitch in and do our part, and that helping others is its own reward. It's a great set of values to absorb young.

That my two grown kids had a place to go for their Thanksgiving dinner. They brought some sides and the dessert, and had a big family meal, instead of a small (but elaborate) meal they made and ate by themselves, as has been the pattern these past few years.

That each of my kids are so different from each other, all of them interesting, all of them with something that makes them stand out. Eldest Daughter is sensitive, honorable, thoughtful, and kind. Only Son is incredibly good natured, interested in a vast array of things, and finds something to enjoy in anything and everything. Middle Daughter is amazingly musical, quietly reflective, and collects waifs and strays. She sees good and value where others see only the turmoil and the trauma. The Whirlwind has truly amazing joie de vivre, and one of the most loving hearts I've ever known, and has endless energy and curiosity.

That I chanced upon Beloved Husband so young. He is smart, devoted, loyal, loving, and possesses a world class sense of humor. Best of all, he knows when to make me laugh, when to just listen, and when to just envelop me in a hug. That he's tall, dark silvering, and handsome is a bonus.

And I am thankful that I have all of you. You make me laugh, you point out intriguing corners of the world I might otherwise have missed, you share your creative output and give me an escape from the work-a-day world, and when I need it, you listen. May you all be equally blessed.

I really must figure out why my subconscious is convinced that "ditto" is an Important Word That Needs Capitalization, because my fingers never, ever type that word without capitalizing it. I always have to go back and edit it to make the "d" lowercase.